The first set of video clips were taken a few years ago but I don't think I have used them before. Sorry the Broad Bodied Chaser is a bit fuzzy. It must have been taken three years ago as I haven't seen one in the past two summers. It was put together as a practice session using AVS Video Editor.
This originally had the short piece of Ravel's Bolero produced using an old MIDI file played back through a Roland keyboard. Photobucket rejected it as their software assumed it was copyright. YouTube's software assumed it was EMI copyright so I challenged it. To date YouTube have passed it on to EMI for them to check. This version uses a Protracker MOD file in which the composer just asks for acknowledgement if it is used, which I have done at the end of the video.
The soundtrack is a bit louder than I intended:
The second video is of the bumblebees on a lavender plant. I am not sure what is going on with some bumblebees recently. Some seem to spend the night clinging to a flower. Some suddenly stop while feeding and freeze for several minutes before flying away. I have not noticed this happen in the past. Are they near the end of their life span or are they suffering from attack by the same mite which has been decimating honey bee hives?
Have a great weekend observing the wildlife around you.
Two grand videos yet again. I keep finding bees stuck in flowers early in the morning. I assume it's a combination of old age and the fact they get too laden to fly. I lift then out and pop them in the sun that seems to do the trick......most of the time.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, John. Fascinating videos here :-)
ReplyDeleteAlthough I enjoyed the chasers (which I don't see here) it is the bee that always grabs my attention - and I see a lot of them. Interesting to see this one holding on to the fine leaf. Never noticed what they do at night. Sadly they have lost out on lavender feeding here. Over the last two winters I have lost quite a few plants including my lavender this past winter. I cut it to the ground hoping some life would come back but sadly now a revamp in a border is required - job for this weekend :-)
Good to hear Bobby is managing to still get out and about as normal. Wishing you a good weekend :-D
Sorry, John meant to ask - was the bee video taken with a new camera? The quality is very good and I see you have it in a different aspect ratio - HD perhaps?
ReplyDeleteGood morning Shirl. That is the remaining lavender from a line of four and it is on its way out. Do they have a short life span I wonder. I remember a friend once telling me that lavenders don't regrow when they are cut back. Like you I have tried it but no joy here either. I must replace them as they attract so many bees.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and yours.
Shirl: The bee video was shot with the Panasonic Lumix TZ7 which can shoot in HD. As usual it was about two inches away from the subject.
ReplyDeleteCouple of good videos John.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed a few bees on flowers in the mornings too. I thought I was just being more observant lol
Maybe there is a reason though, and there are more doing it now.
I was told once that Lavender plants should be replaced every couple of years. Thankfully they are easy to take cuttings of, and grow yourself.
Thank you Keith. Re the bees. It could also be a result of the cooler mornings / evenings we have had - here anyway.
ReplyDeleteSounds like I need to go a cutting!
Thank you Keith.
ReplyDelete